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Find out the latest updates about a variety of genomics research activities, collaborations, community engagements and achievements from across Queensland.

If you have an event or program you would like to promote through our monthly newsletter, please send it to genomics@qgha.org.

Genomics researchers advance Queensland health care - 26 April 2017

The Palaszczuk Government is positioning Queensland as a world leader in the translation of genomics research into healthcare practice, today announcing the first recipients of its $25 million Queensland Genomics Health Alliance (QGHA) funding.

Speaking at CEDA, Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick announced $4.8 million had been awarded to recipients of the first of three rounds.

“Four of the projects will receive $600,000 over 18 months to demonstrate the use of genomic medicine to diagnose and manage patients with melanoma, lung cancer, infectious diseases and maturity-onset diabetes of the young,” Mr Dick said.

“The researchers and clinicians intend to show how genomics can provide significant benefits to the diagnosis and management of people suffering from these conditions.

“Five projects aimed at building the capability of Queensland’s health services to implement genomics to improve the health of Queenslanders will receive $480,000 over 18 months.

“They will establish infrastructure and capacity in information management, genomic testing innovation, workforce development, ethics, legal and social implications and evaluation of the application of clinical genomics in the Queensland health system.”

He said one example of how important these projects were to Queenslanders’ future was the workforce development project.

“It is aimed at building genomics knowledge and skills in current and future clinicians by developing teaching materials to upskill scientists and clinicians in genomics, including establishing the first postgraduate program in Diagnostic Genomics in Australasia,” Mr Dick said.

“This funding is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s five year commitment to QGHA, which is a collaboration involving Queensland-based universities and research organisations, the Queensland Hospital and Health Services network, private health providers, and associated health organisations throughout Queensland.”

Executive Director of QGHA David Bunker said the funding had been allocated to this ground-breaking initiative to fast track genomics research and its translation into our healthcare system.

“The capacity for genomics to improve patient outcomes is a reality, and it’s important that decisions around health systems are made based on research evidence,” Mr Bunker said.

Visit www.qgha.org for more information about the Queensland Genomics Health Alliance.

The National Genomics Policy Framework Advisory Group invites you to participate in a national stakeholder consultation process that will inform the development of the National Health Genomics Policy Framework (the Framework).The Framework is a commitment between Commonwealth and states and territories to work collaboratively to integrate genomics into the health system over time.The consultation forums will focus on contextualising the Framework and workshopping the strategic objectives and priority areas. Consultation closes 8 March 2017.

QGHA Round 1 Project Fund Call for Applications Now Open - October 2016

The Queensland Genomics Health Alliance's first round of project funding will support four (4) Demonstration Projects and five (5) targeted Capability-building Workstreams, over an 18-month period. The intent is that all nine (9) projects will operate concurrently, with details of the expected interactions outlined in the Project Evaluation Criteria.

New Positions open in Queensland Genomics Health Alliance - October 2016

A number of new position are required to support UQ's involvement in the Queensland Genomics Health Alliance, a Queensland State Government funded initiative. Currently we are looking for a Business Manager, Communications & Engagement Manager, Program Management Office Manager and Executive Assistant. Contact genomics@qgha.org for more information.

David Bunker has been appointed as the Executive Director for Queensland Genomics Health Alliance (QGHA), following an extensive search that generated interest from a strong field of candidates. As the Executive Director, David will lead the strategic implementation and operation of QGHA’s multifaceted projects, coordinating effective collaborations between the government, clinical professionals, researchers and industries in Queensland, to improve health outcomes for Queenslanders. Read More

As recommended by the Queensland Health, an interim ‘collaborative-commissioning’ governance model for QGHA over the first 18 months is to be implemented, supporting 5 capability-building workstreams (Workforce Development, Evaluation of Clinical Genomics, Genomic Testing, Stakeholder Access to Genomic Information, and Ethics, Legal and Social Implications), as well as four disease-focussed demonstration projects. Read More

On 28 January, UQ hosted the first stakeholder workshop for the Queensland Genomics Health Alliance at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The workshop brought together 22 executives from various Queensland Hospital and Health Services and research institutions to discuss the vision and fundamental frameworks of the Alliance, and the ways to best leverage Queensland’s expertise to achieve those visions and goals. The workshop demonstrated keen enthusiasm for collaboration and unified objectives around delivering health outcomes for Queenslanders. Read More